Is AP English right for you?
1.
2.
Be sure you have passed the WASL Reading and Writing sections – if not, you should NOT take an AP English course yet
Take this survey:
Use these points to answer each of the 10 questions below:
Sounds just like me…..5 pts.
That’s me most of the time….4 pts.
I could work on it…..3 pts.
When I’m in the mood….2 pts.
Someday, but not yet….1 pt.
No way!....0 pts.
Maximum points = 50 (there are no “wrong” answers)
_____I have independent learning habits. I take “ownership” of my learning. I do my homework without prompting (I don’t need
my parents or teacher to insist).
_____I have good time management skills. I am able to follow the course guidelines, calendar or schedule for assignment
submissions, evaluations, and not rely on the teacher to “remind” me. I get my work in on time. For large projects, I do a bit each
night for many nights, well before the hand-in date. I don’t ask the teacher for special deadlines or favors.
_____I check grades on-line and pay close attention to any announcements from my teacher. I see learning as more important than
grades. I don’t work for the grade, for the teacher or for my parents. I work to learn, and simply I like to make sure that my grade
reflects my learning.
_____I am highly motivated with a desire to succeed. I am ambitious and set high standards for myself in all areas. I want to learn as
much as possible. I don’t expect the teacher to set the standards and then try to figure out a way to “get around” the work without
doing it.
_____I willingly ask for assistance when I need it well before an assignment is due. I investigate all avenues for help before I give up.
I go to teachers before/after school when I need extra help.
_____I love reading and writing for different purposes and want to develop those skills in a structured way, guided by a teacher. I
want to read challenging literature, develop a wide vocabulary, and learn to write in a sophisticated manner. I choose to read
challenging books for my personal reading. I don’t whine about reading challenges. I don’t skip over or merely guess at vocabulary
words I don’t know. I don’t avoid reading by cheating or relying on reading guides (Spark Notes, Cliff’s Notes, for example).
_____I enjoy discussing in depth what I think about different kinds of literature. I prepare for Socratic Seminars. I don’t talk just to
get points or to hear myself talk. I truly try to help the group and I come to a deeper and deeper understanding of the author’s intent.
_____I enjoy working as part of a group with a collective goal. I help others learn. I don’t feel that I’m competing with them. I
believe that, together, we can learn more and more. I help, encourage or challenge others to do better. I don’t put down others. I
don’t ignore others and just care about myself and my grade.
_____I am confident about taking on leadership roles with my peers. I am proud that I am a student with good grades and am willing
to show my accomplishments and pride in front of my peers, whether they respect my accomplishments or not.
_____I am comfortable working one-on-one or in small groups with a teacher. I see a teacher as an experienced educated helper. I
don’t see the teacher as an authority figure that I try to fool to get my way.
_____TOTAL
The higher your score, the higher the likelihood that the choice of an AP English class is right for you.
Also consider the following:
 Consider whether you want to complete a four-year degree in college or not. If you do, you should know that students who
successfully take AP classes are much more likely to finish college successfully than students who do not take AP classes.
Also, you should know that one reason for an AP class is to help you prepare for an Advanced Placement test; if you score
high enough of that test, some colleges may excuse you from related freshmen courses. In this way you save money. Some
students try to save money by attending Running Start at a community college; however, students who have chosen this route
to save money have reported that community college Running Start classes are generally not helpful in preparing you for the
challenges of a four-year institution.
 Consider whether you attend school each day, are seldom absent due to illness or family vacations, and are not too busy after
or before school to do necessary homework.
 Consider whether you earned an A or B in Pre-AP Sophomore English.
I have discussed the aforementioned information with my parent/guardian:
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